Automatic parking vehicle system

Abstract

Vehicle automation, autonomy and connectivity is a subject of mechatronics integrating many engineering disciplines including electrical, mechanical, control, and computer engineering (and technology). It is fundamentally changing the concept of automobile transportation and manufacturing. Therefore, developing new, technologically progressive curricula and hands-on lab as well as student project materials is desired to prepare for the future workforce needs of autonomous cars in the automotive industry. This "Automatic Vehicle Parking System" is a research and concept-proving project that will be prepared and extended to develop teaching materials for courses and students project on the subject of vehicle automation, autonomy and connectivity. In this project, an RC (remote-controlled) toy car is modified by integrating ultrasound sensors and Arduino with a high current shield to control the vehicle movements and the parking processes. Parking strategies and the corresponding algorithms are explored and programed through Arduino. During testing, the car is able to move to detect the imitated "road-side" environment, judge a space suitable for parking or not, and then drive to park automatically. A 3D printer is utilized to build the parts needed for modification. Student working processes of design, hardware modification, as well as the algorithm and coding procedures are observed and evaluated for systematic course material development.